Pep delivers updates on Gvardiol, Kovacic and Lewis fitness | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola gave the latest on Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis during Friday’s press conference.

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The trio have all been recently unavailable through injuries with varying recovery periods.

Gvardiol began the season in fine form at the heart of defence before suffering a tibial fracture to his right leg in the January draw with Chelsea.

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Asked if we can expect to see him again this season, Guardiola said: “I hope so. I don’t know when.”

His compatriot Kovacic has only appeared twice in 2025/26 after difficulties during his comeback from an injury sustained at the end of the last campaign.

“Finally he’s back training for the last three or four training sessions,” said Guardiola when asked about the midfielder.

“Still, his condition needs time. But the most important after second surgery in his ankle is much better than the first one.

“Maybe he can give us good quality until the end of the season.”

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Rico Lewis has missed our last two games – last weekend’s victory at Leeds before a midweek draw with Nottingham Forest.

Guardiola revealed for the first time that the Academy graduate hasn’t been available due to injury.

“Rico has a problem with a twist in the ankle. Little bit swollen but is edging to be back,” he said.

Guardiola has been impressed with Rayan Ait-Nouri’s progress in recent weeks.

The Algerian full-back missed much of the first half of his maiden season at the Etihad with an ankle injury but has settled in the side since returning from the African Cup of Nations.

Having provided an assist in each of our last two games, the 24-year-old appears to be growing into life at City.

“He’s made a step forward a lot in the last games, understanding what we need and his quality with the ball is fantastic,” said Guardiola.

“It gives us extra passes and defensively, he’s more aggressive and faster than the people think about it. The question of working the line, he’s getting better.”

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Meanwhile, Rayan Cherki has also been pivotal in the last week – playing a key role in the only goal at Leeds and then finding Antoine Semenyo for the opener against Forest.

In no doubt about the France international’s ability to unlock a defence, Guardiola is keen for the No.10 to stay as close to the opposition box as possible.

“I always want Rayan to give his talent to us but only I ask him to play ten metres up front,” Guardiola stated.

“The talent close to Rodri, I don’t care, be close to Erling. How come the first goal, for him close to [Erling].

“How come the assist from Cherki to Rayan Ait-Nouri at Leeds? Close to the box.

“Live there, whatever you want but live close to there because he’s unique. This is all I ask. He likes to go a little bit deep, but he’s young and the numbers and impact in the first season here have been massive.”

And finally, the boss is backing Phil Foden to recapture his very best form after a difficult period for the 25-year-old fan favourite.

“Step by step he’ll be back. He had some very good things in the last game, his dynamic is still there,” began Pep.

“The moment he makes a step to relax and do what he does he gives us in the final third, make good passes for Erling and have shots.

“That is what we want for Phil, to have the courage to be incredibly free in his mind and soul to express his incredible talent in final third. Get the ball, and turn and go, step by step he will get it.”

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